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NEULASTA

PEGFILGRASTIM - INJECTABLE

Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PEGFILGRASTIM - INJECTABLE

(peg-fill-GRASS-tim)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Neulasta

Uses

Pegfilgrastim is a long-acting form of the drug, filgrastim. These drugs, called colony-stimulating factors, are used to help stimulate the bone marrow to make white blood cells. White blood cells help the body fight infections. Certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer) and/or medications (e.g., cancer chemotherapy) may reduce the body's ability to make normal white blood cells.

How To Use

Learn how to prepare and inject this drug and review the Pegfilgrastim Patient Information Insert with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid shaking this medication; doing so may make the drug ineffective. Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously-SQ) usually once during each chemotherapy cycle; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is usually one 6 mg injection but it may be adjusted for children or small adults (less than 100 lbs or 45 kg). Do not give this drug from 14 days before to 1 day after your chemotherapy. Giving this drug during this time may increase your risk of certain side effects (leukocytosis). Consult your doctor for details. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

Bone pain, headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: vomiting, swelling of the hands/feet or mouth, fever. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fever, trouble breathing. A very rare and potentially fatal rupture of the spleen may occur. Tell your doctor immediately if either of these side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain and/or shoulder pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: spleen problems, other blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease), any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: lithium- containing products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood counts) will be performed to monitor your progress. It is very important to keep all scheduled medical and laboratory appointments.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze. This medication may be kept out of the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. After that time, if left unused, discard the injection.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).